There's more to it than just "switching on UFB". The trial subdivisions might need the layer 2 equipment replaced in order to provide the different spec'd UFB services and to support the open access requirements. Also a larger capacity backhaul may need to be run to the subdivision so that the same capacity is available as would be in a new UFB area.

My opinions (TWEIE) are mine, not my employers. Any statements of fact are drawn from public sources.

One thing to remember is that the issue doesn't lie with WxC. There is nothing stopping any ISP from offering services over this network. Most choose not to because they don't have the capabilities to offer voice + data services and secondly don't like the current wholesale pricing offered by Chorus.

If you have issues my suggestion would be to contact your local MP, communications minster, Chorus and the Commerce Commission.

shanehobson: There's more to it than just "switching on UFB". The trial subdivisions might need the layer 2 equipment replaced in order to provide the different spec'd UFB services and to support the open access requirements. Also a larger capacity backhaul may need to be run to the subdivision so that the same capacity is available as would be in a new UFB area.

Thanks, this is the sort of info I'd love to hear more about: what's the difference between these trial subdivisions and the UFB rollout? I was under the impression that it was all the same fibre but I guess not. Disheartening to see Orcon advertising fibre plans, only to find out that I can't join them yet.

sbiddle: There are a couple of people on here in the same boat.

One thing to remember is that the issue doesn't lie with WxC. There is nothing stopping any ISP from offering services over this network. Most choose not to because they don't have the capabilities to offer voice + data services and secondly don't like the current wholesale pricing offered by Chorus.

If you have issues my suggestion would be to contact your local MP, communications minster, Chorus and the Commerce Commission.

Cheers, yeah I know this isn't a WorldxChange issue, but a Chorus one. I don't really have a big problem with it; just strikes me as odd. I assumed a Chorus fibre subdivision would be able to access a UFB ISP but I guess not. Would love more technical details about why not, as touched on above.

Realistically, I guess I'll have to wait for UFB to be rolled out in my area, despite having fibre to my door already. And here I was hoping I'd be able to switch ISPs this year!

sbiddle: There is nothing stopping any ISP from offering services over this network.

Steve, have you asked Chorus this recently?

No, but I have since been told this morning that these greenfields areas now essentially have a change freeze in place which would theoretically prevent other ISP's offering services at present, which is what I assume you are referring to.

I was told the full story by a contact at Chorus on Saturday, but whether it's public knowledge or not I don't know, so won't be posting the full reasons here.

Every ISP in NZ has had several years in which they could deploy services over this existing fibre. All except WxC have chosen not to do so. The situation has arisen now with UFB that in effect a change freeze has been implimented on these existing greenfields areas and no changes will happen until are converted over to UFB.

We're working towards having existing FTTP sub-divisions able to connect to UFB services later this year.

Thank you for first good news since I have moved to new house in August.

If Fibre is not what you require there are other options and have been for a while wireless options and 3g offerings are out there so feel free to use those instead if the product is such a big issue for you.